Best Denim Shorts
Shorts are my summer jam. Most days, I reach for a pair of shorts to beat the heat and usually it is my favorite denim short. In fact, when researching for this post, I realized just how much I “love” denim shorts. I have two drawers filled with shorts and the majority of them are denim. A good denim short is a classic piece, so I do have some, practically vintage, shorts in my drawers. The reality is every year I purchase a couple new pairs despite my overflowing drawers. Here is a round up of the best denim shorts for summer this year.
Every year one length seems to dominate the fashion scene. When it comes to shorts, I care less about trends and more about what looks best on me. I guess that is true of most things but with shorts it feels especially important. You are baring quite a bit of leg. For example, the cut off denim trend – I skipped the bootie shorts version and found some at a more appropriate length. Bermuda shorts are big this year but I have been wearing them consistently for years. The styles and proportions may be different but the length is always the same.
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Hudson Bermuda Shorts
Let’s start with the long instead of the short of it. My favorite pair of Bermuda style shorts are the Hudson. I am wearing the Hudson Jeans Cuff Stretch Bermuda shorts from Nordstrom. They are currently sold out. They are available at Shopbop in a slightly different wash wish I really like. I also have the Hudson Jeans Amelia Cuff Bermuda Jeans which are a light wash and don’t have the traditional Hudson flap pocket. I interchange both of these pairs often depending on the top I want to wear. They both have just the right amount of stretch to make them super comfortable but won’t stretch out. Both pairs have approximately a 13″ inseam and are mid-rise.
RE/DONE The Long Shorts
Are you familiar with RE/DONE? They repurpose vintage pairs of Levi’s with a modern cut. Levi’s are back and it is in large part to companies like RE/DONE who have introduced the next generation to the quality of American denim. These are the shorts I plan to buy this summer. Unfortunately, I sized up too far and they are just too baggy. So this pair will have to go back but I found the correct size at Nordstrom and they are on their way. Each pair are unique so the fit is different each time. I ordered two sizes to see which will work best. The stated inseam is 9″ but seems a bit longer than that to me. You can easily cuff these shorts since they are loose at the leg opening. If the cost of RE/DONE is prohibitive to you. Levi’s offers their classic 501 in a Ripped Slouch Version. They are only $79 and all sorts of fabulous!
AG Nikki Denim Short
The exact pair I am wearing is the AG Nikki Cutoff Denim Short but I have the Nikki’s in several different colors. They are my all time favorite pair of shorts. The Nikkis are the perfect length at 9″. Definitely not too short but not too long either. I sound like Goldie Locks, but it is true. They are the perfect length for everyone. The denim is light weight and oh, so comfortable. I reach for these shorts over and over in the summer. The length is perfect for dressing up or wearing casual.
Joe Jeans – The Bermuda Shorts
These Joe Jeans are almost an exact match to the AG Nikki which I love. I love the distressing on this pair so much but it is just to similar to what I already own. The have the perfect 9″ rise and 9″ inseam. They are super comfortable and easy to dress up or down.
Citizen of Humanity – Skyler Denim Shorts
I purchased the CoH Skyler shorts a couple seasons ago. I intentionally bought them baggy as I wanted them to be slouchy. They are still one of my go-to pairs of shorts. The inseam is 6″ but I have double cuffed them. Because I bought them bigger, they have worked through the ups and downs of my weight which at almost 50 seems to be a constant battle. I have linked the updated version. One of the reason’s these shorts are so flattering is the shorts end where my leg begins to curve in slightly. It helps to make my legs look thinner. Try and avoid shorts that hit at your widest part of the leg. That will just make your legs look heavier. BTW – my shoes and belt are from J.Crew. I love a good leopard print anything.
Hudson – Croxley Rolled Denim Shorts
And finally the short of it! These Hudson Croxley’s are the perfect short, short. The rise is 8.5″ which is pretty low these days but I think it works with the cut of the shorts. The inseam is 3.5″. I usually keep to 4″ inseam but these are pretty close. I find myself reaching for these often when the weather is so hot, I can’t possibly imagine much fabric on my body. They are perfect for the beach and they would be perfect if you want to try the celebrity approved trend of short, shorts, blazer and sneakers as highlighted in this WhoWhatWear article. I am definitely giving it a try. Why not. Fashion is about taking risks and seeing what works for you. My sandals are the UGG Kamile Banded Sandal and they are like walking on air. I have a contemptuous relationship with sandals but these are so comfortable I never feel like throwing them across the room after I wear them.
Rock Them if You Want To
Over the years, my legs have changed. They have never really been tan (I am naturally pretty pale and mostly burn). They have been thinner and they have been thicker. Now after a flare up of eczema, my first ever, they are scared. I definitely have cellulite and some visible veins but I still rock the shorts. Like I said, shorts are my summer jam and just because my body doesn’t look the way it once did, I am still at heart, a girl who loves her shorts. So whether I am 8 or 80, I am going to wear what I like.
I feel that society puts a lot of pressure on us to give up certain items as we age but I have never felt that was necessary. Who cares if you have bat wings, rock the sleeveless tops. Life is short and expending energy on making others happy instead of yourself is just a waste of precious time. If shorts aren’t your thing, then don’t wear them. Wear whatever make you feel you. My MIL was all kinds of stylish but she rarely wore what was considered trendy or even classic for that matter. She wore what made her happy. She derived joy from her outfits and shopping especially for purses and jewelry. When her life was cut short she had no regrets. You will never regret being your authentic self and wearing what makes you happy. So rock the shorts if you want to. I plan to and as I head into the menopause years ahead, I am sure I will be wearing them more and more. Hot flashes are no joke!
What are your favorite shorts? What length works best for you? I would love to hear your recommendations. Drop a comment below.
